PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Strategic Location

• Richards Bay Coastal Dunes Zone (~200 ha) between the Indian Ocean high-water mark and Dune Route, Meerensee.
• Extends from Reserve 4 in the north to just south of the Port Control Office.
• Includes proposed Lighthouse, Two Mile/Kleiklipklofie, and Soetwaterstrand residential nodes with sea views.
• Adjacent Richards Bay/Meerensee equestrian club site (~11 ha) atop coastal dunes.

Project Overview

• Mixed-use development incorporating residential, recreational, tourism, sport, and conservation elements.
• Residential component zoned for medium/high-density and group housing.
• Equestrian club redevelopment potential for sport and recreation.

Development Vision & Objectives

• Promote integration of social, economic, institutional, and physical land development.
• Create employment opportunities near residential areas.
• Optimize use of existing bulk infrastructure, transport links, and social facilities.
• Encourage diverse land uses and compact urban form to reduce urban sprawl.
• Protect sensitive coastal environment by concentrating nodes outside the coastal protection zone.

Site Overview

• 200 ha dune area with strategic sea views, unserviced but near existing bulk infrastructure.
• Equestrian club site positioned between Meerensee and Mzingazi suburbs.

Planned Urban Design Framework Elements

• Gateway features and formal entrances.
• Link roads and public squares.
• Parking garages and parkades.
• Residential clusters integrated with recreation and conservation zones.

Benefits

• In-demand residential accommodation with recreational amenities.
• Social and economic integration through job creation and tourism appeal.
• Environmental controls via compliance with the coastal protection zone.

Development Alignment

• Aligned with CBD Framework Plan goals: spatial/functional integration, environmental protection, improved urban management, and economic development.

Project Readiness

• Planning processes completed; subdivisions and rezoning finalized in 2012.
• Properties registered but not yet serviced.
• Environmental approvals and detailed design pending developer appointment.

Environmental & Regulatory

• Subdivision and rezoning approved; zoning is “Residential Only High Density.”
• Environmental authorization process not yet initiated; will comply with NEMA, ICMA, and Water Act.

Partnerships & Stakeholders

• City of uMhlathuze is current landowner and project promoter.
• Potential public-private partnerships; existing collaboration with KZN CoGTA.
• Stakeholder engagement conducted via township establishment process.

Total Project Value

• Dependent on building design detail and installation of internal services.
• Servicing costs and detailed development budgets to be determined post-appointment of developer.

Funding Approach

• Municipal funding for bulk services to property boundaries.
• Developer funding for internal services and vertical development.

Timeline

• Not yet confirmed; servicing and environmental approvals required before construction.

Investment Invitation

• Open to developers for phased, environmentally responsible coastal development.
• Opportunities in residential, tourism, sport, and conservation sectors.

Contact

• Brenda Strachan — Manager: Spatial and Environmental Planning
• Phone: 035-9075415
• Email: strachanb@umhlathuze.gov.za